It was intense, breath taking, and unforgettable. You wouldn’t have wanted to miss this Yamaha Grand Prix Finals. The competition was staged at the Palawan International Circuit for the first time and records were about to be set. The inaugural categories of the YGP 150 Underbone Championship, All-Female Category, and Dealer Cup Race provided enough excitement for both riders and spectators.
The YGP 150 Underbone Championship was an All-Star Selection from the 3 Major Regions of the Philippines on the Sniper 150. With a wildcard team composed of highly touted contenders. After battling it out in 3 cities, it was time for the best to claim the top spot. Perennial Champion Masato Fernando entered the competition in the aftermath of a hard fall where his health was left in question. After passing the physical exam the day before the race, “The Chairman” was ready for business. Closing in on his spot was “the Hitman” J.E. Inguito who had his sights set on Masato. Hotshot Mckinley Kyle Paz lived up to his moniker of being a “WonderBoy” by going toe to toe with older foes. Bornok “The Lion” Mangosong roared his way for a place in the finals. The Off-Road star continues his successful transition to the circuit and held his own in the season. The race was virtually between Inguito and Fernando with the riders going toe to toe in both heats. A display of absolute determination and precision put both these riders on a different level against the rest. J.E. claimed top finish in both categories but Masato had the last laugh. He had the overall statistical advantage of 188 pts against the 170.5 pts of Inguito. The Championship was owned by Fernando who cemented his place as one of the best to ever do it.
More Photos here
The all-female category will crown the first every lady Champion and it’s been a long time coming. Justine Bethany Tolentino lorded over Mindanao, C-Let Cuizon reigned over Visayas, and Erica Ondillo dominated Luzon. The best of each region headed for a monumental clash. The first heat saw a tight match between Tolentino and Ondillo with the latter just finishing .343 seconds behind. but Justine Bethany dropped the hammer in the 2nd round by opening a wide lead against her challengers, ahead by at least 5 seconds. Her performance was resolute, focused, and determined; making her the first ever Female YGP Champion on the number one AT motorcycle in the country, the Yamaha MIO.
The logjam in the Dealer Cup had to come to an end with multiple ties coming into the finals. MOTORACE, LYR Motorhub, RHEAN Marketing, DES Marketing, DHCI Cyclehaus, New Nemar all needed crucial wins in both Expert and Intermediate races using the record breaking Yamaha Sight. Ephraim Onahon carried the load for RHEAN Marketing to put them over the top as John Paul Lantape earned the 2nd spot for MOTORACE.
The 9th Season of the Yamaha Grand Prix had its share of memorable moments and historic performances. Now that the Champions have been determined their celebration may be short lived as their rivals begin their preparation for the next season. Who will defend their throne? Who will claim their place among legends?
We’ll see at the Yamaha Grand Prix X.
YGP OVERALL SEASON RESULTS
YGP Underbone 150 Championship
1st Masato Fernando (188 Pts)
2nd John Emerson Inguito (170.5 pts)
3rd Mckinley Kyle Paz (131 pts)
4th Bornok Mangosong (127.75pts)
5th Garry Caneda (85.25pts)
ALL FEMALE
1st Justinne Bethany Tolentino (50pts)
2nd Erica Ondillo (40pts)
3rd Alicia Ortega (29pts)
Dealer Cup
Dealer Ranking
1st Rhean Marketing (208.5pts)
2nd Motorace (204 pts)
3rd LYR Motorhub (197.75 pts)
4th DES Marketing (148.5 pts)
5th DHCI Cyclehaus (118.25)
Expert
1st Epharim Onahon (62.5pts) – Rhean Marketing
2nd Durraine Dan Carlos (50pts) – LYR Motorhub
3rd Ernie Daguio (36.25 pts) – DHCI Cyclehaus
Intermediate
1st John Paul Lantape (62.5) Motorace
2nd Bornok Mangosong (45pts) Rhean Marketing
3rd McDon Dave Sande (38.75pts)
PALAWAN LEG WINNERS
SNIPER 150 OPEN
1st.- Vrei Suba
2nd – Durraine Dan Carlos
3rd – Romer Corbe
160 OPEN AT
1st – Amber Torres
2nd – Lauren Jay Ewan
3rd – Andrew Tesorio
FUN RACE AT
1st – AJ Yap
2nd – Lyndon Guerra
3rd – Joseph Salinas
FUN RACE UB
1st – Jap Jap Regala
2nd – Jolly Sespene
3rd – Marj Urma
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